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What Happens After Your USCIS Medical Exam?
Completing your USCIS immigration medical exam is an important milestone in your journey toward lawful permanent residency in the United States. While many applicants focus on preparing for the exam itself, understanding what happens afterward can help reduce uncertainty and ensure your immigration process continues smoothly.
At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we regularly help patients complete their immigration medical examinations and answer questions about the next steps. Here's what you can expect after your USCIS medical exam.
Understanding the Purpose of the USCIS Medical Exam
The immigration medical examination is required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine whether an applicant has any health-related conditions that could affect their eligibility for permanent residency.
The exam must be performed by a USCIS-designated Civil Surgeon who will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, verify vaccination records, and order any required laboratory testing.
Once all requirements have been completed, the Civil Surgeon prepares Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
Step 1: Completion of Required Testing
After your appointment, some results may not be available immediately. Depending on your circumstances, the Civil Surgeon may need to wait for:
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Tuberculosis (TB) screening results
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Blood test results
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Additional laboratory testing
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Verification of vaccination records
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Follow-up evaluations if necessary
Most applicants receive their completed medical paperwork within a few days to a few weeks, depending on testing requirements and individual circumstances.
Step 2: Review and Certification of Form I-693
Once all test results have been received and reviewed, the Civil Surgeon completes and signs Form I-693.
This form documents:
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Your medical examination findings
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Vaccination history
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Laboratory results
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Any required follow-up information
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Certification that the exam was conducted according to USCIS guidelines
The completed form is then sealed in an official envelope.
Step 3: Do Not Open the Sealed Envelope
One of the most important things applicants should remember is that the sealed Form I-693 envelope should not be opened.
USCIS requires the medical examination paperwork to remain sealed. If the envelope is opened or tampered with, USCIS may reject the form and require a new medical examination.
Always keep the sealed packet secure until it is submitted to USCIS.
Step 4: Submit Your Medical Exam to USCIS
Depending on your immigration case, there are generally two ways your medical exam may be submitted:
Filing with Your Adjustment of Status Application
Some applicants submit Form I-693 together with their adjustment of status application package.
Responding to a USCIS Request
Others may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or instructions from USCIS to submit their medical exam at a later stage of the process.
Always follow the specific instructions provided by USCIS or your immigration attorney regarding when and how to submit your medical examination results.
Step 5: USCIS Reviews Your Medical Examination
After USCIS receives your Form I-693, immigration officers review the medical documentation as part of your overall application.
They will verify that:
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The examination was completed by a designated Civil Surgeon
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Required vaccinations have been documented
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Laboratory testing requirements were met
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No inadmissible health-related conditions were identified
For most applicants, this review occurs behind the scenes and does not require additional action.
What If Additional Information Is Needed?
In some situations, USCIS may request additional documentation or clarification.
This can happen if:
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Vaccination records are incomplete
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Additional testing is required
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Forms contain missing information
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Documentation is outdated or expired
If USCIS requests additional information, respond promptly to avoid delays in processing your case.
How Long Does USCIS Take After Receiving Form I-693?
Processing times vary depending on:
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USCIS workload
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Type of immigration application
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Local field office processing times
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Whether additional evidence is requested
The medical exam itself does not determine the overall timeline of your immigration case. It is simply one required component of the application review process.
Tips to Avoid Delays After Your Medical Exam
To help your case move forward smoothly:
Bring Complete Vaccination Records
Missing vaccine documentation is one of the most common reasons applicants experience delays.
Follow All Civil Surgeon Instructions
Complete any recommended testing or follow-up appointments as soon as possible.
Keep Copies of Your Records
Maintain personal copies of vaccination records and appointment paperwork for your files.
Submit Documents Promptly
If USCIS requests your medical exam or additional information, respond before the stated deadline.
Partner with an Experienced USCIS Civil Surgeon
Choosing an experienced USCIS Civil Surgeon can help ensure your immigration medical examination is completed accurately and efficiently.
At Lumberton Internal Medicine Group, we provide professional USCIS immigration medical exams, vaccination assessments, and Form I-693 completion services. Our team is committed to helping applicants understand every step of the process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Final Thoughts
After your USCIS medical exam, the next steps typically involve laboratory result review, completion of Form I-693, submission to USCIS, and final review as part of your immigration application.
Understanding what happens after the exam can help you stay prepared and confident throughout the immigration process. By following USCIS instructions carefully and working with an experienced Civil Surgeon, you can help ensure your application continues moving forward without unnecessary complications.